A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Tarutao vs. Pai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Pai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Pai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Koh Tarutao or Pai?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

Pai

As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Pai, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao than you might in Pai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Pai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Pai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Pai in the Summer?

Both Pai and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Pai. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Pai receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Pai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Pai averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Pai in the Autumn?

Both Pai and Koh Tarutao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.

November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Pai. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Pai receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Pai. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Pai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Pai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Pai. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pai receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Pai in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Pai fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Pai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Pai. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Pai. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Pai receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Pai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Pai averages at about 32°C (89°F).

Typical Weather for Pai and Koh Tarutao